A retired anthropologist and member of the Cherokee Nation who did work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs now says he made a mistake.

Back in 1984, Lathel F. Duffield helped the BIA make a determination that the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma is a successor to the historic Cayuga Nation. The decision is sometimes cited as the tribe's basis to be a part of the Cayuga land claim.

But Duffield says he was wrong to make that determination. He tells The Syracuse Post-Standard that the Seneca-Cayugas are descended "biologically" from the historic Cayuga Nation but not "governmentally."

The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe's claim has been upheld by the courts and prompted Gov. George Pataki (R) to settle for a casino in the Catskills. The Oneida Nation of New York criticized deals with out-of-state tribes at a public hearing yesterday.

Get the Story:
Expert reverses view on Okla. tribe's claim (The Syracuse Post-Standard 3/10)
Tribe's claim questioned (The Auburn Citizen 3/10)
Land-claim plan draws criticism (The Syracuse Post-Standard 3/10)
Property owners in land claim area criticize settlements (AP 3/10)
Public: Deal won't work (The Auburn Citizen 3/10)

Relevant Links:
Seneca-Cayuga Tribe - http://www.eighttribes.org/seneca-cayuga

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